Event Details
Behind every production lies a world of artistry and technical skill. Moderated by Colin Fickes (Program Director at Stockade Works and former film and television actor), this panel spotlights lighting specialist Justyn T. Davis, monster maker Anthony Clark Pierce, costume designer Amit Gajwani, and location manager, Ryan Ferguson.
The session kicks off with a 45-minute conversation on the creative and logistical challenges of their crafts, then shifts into an interactive “speed networking” round where attendees can speak directly with each panelist.
Whether you’re a student, emerging professional, or simply curious about behind-the-scenes magic, this is a chance to learn how sustainable careers are built in film and television.
Guests
Justyn T. Davis– Cinematographer, Lighting Designer, Union Gaffer
Justyn T. Davis is a Cinematographer, Lighting Designer, and Union Gaffer. His Cinematographer credits include two shows for Apple TV – Dear Edward and also, Your Friends and Neighbors. As a gaffer, he has worked on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Till, The Last O.G., The Central Park Five, and Ode to Joy. His credits as Bestboy Electric and Electrician include Blackkklansman, The Informer and Quantico. His Lighting Designer credits include two Netflix comedy specials (Verified Standup, and Jacqueline Novak’s Get On Your Knees), as well as Nick Offerman: American Ham, Super Bowl 56, and the Super Bowl Pregame Show, for which he won an Emmy! He also teaches and lectures at SVA, NYU, Pace University and in Nigeria and China.
Ryan Ferguson- Location Manager
Ryan Ferguson has been working film and television since he was a teenager, starting out in music videos while still in high school. He attended Brooklyn College for film before working his way up in the location department on feature films and television. He is a DGA location manager, a co-chair of the DGA Location Manager Committee, and a member of the NYC Film and Television Industry Council. He has over 25 years experience in the entertainment industry.
Amit Gajwani– Costume Designer
Amit Gajwani was born in Mumbai, India and at 12 years old moved to New York. The influence of both cultures inspired travel that has taken him around the world. He also discovered a love for historical fashion during his travels and the combination of these influences are evident throughout his designs.
He became established and well respected in the world of fashion print and advertisement campaigns for clients such as Jack Daniels, Microsoft, Franco Sarto, Ted Baker London, Maybelline, Ford Motors, and many more. Amit graduated with a psychology degree from Vassar College. His passion for psychology lends itself beautifully to character work within short format content and narrative feature films. He has worked with a wide range of talent such as Gabrielle Union, Lala Anthony, Chris Abbott, , Jim Belushi, Rachel Brosnahan, Macy Gray, Madeline Brewer and many other.
One of his features for Netflix, The Perfect Find won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. One of his most current projects, I Live Here Now, directed Julie Pacino, has been touring the festivals around the world and will be released in theaters in February, 2026. Amit also costume designed the sold-out Off-Broadway run of the play, Phoenix, starring Julia Stiles.
His passion for films has led him to jump into production. His ability to work with all different clients, budgets and talent is an asset. He is currently working on narrative and a documentary about female boxers in Mexico.
Anthony C. Pierce- Filmmaker, Industrial Artist, Creature Artist
Anthony C. Pierce is an Industrial Artist, Filmmaker and Creature Artist born in Rochester, NY. Anthony attended college at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Graduating with a degree in Industrial Design, specializing in Movie Special Effects and Toy Design. After graduation, “Tony” moved to Orlando and worked for several major theme parks as a sculptor and scenic artist. Tony was one of the original sculptors for several of the animatronic animals featured at The Rainforest Café. Tony was also lead artist during the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
Tony has since relocated his studio to Auburn, NY. but still creates fiberglass sculptures for theme park and mini golf courses up and down the east coast. Tony in recent years has returned to film production and has Directed his first feature film “Till Death Do Us Part” and has a second film titled “Pond Scum” currently in production. Tony has film credits for gore effects and creature design on several other feature films as well.
Moderator
Colin Fickes- Program Director, Stockade Works
Colin Fickes is the Program Director at Stockade Works, where he leads workforce development and training programs that prepare diverse Hudson Valley residents for careers in film and television. He has spent the past five years building industry-aligned curricula and pathways that move trainees from classroom to on-set work.
Prior to his nonprofit leadership, Colin enjoyed a long career as a film and television actor, collaborating with directors, writers, and crews on various projects – including Transformers, Roger Dodger, One Tree Hill and Law & Order: SVU. Passionate about access and inclusion, Colin is committed to growing a regional industry that creates real, sustainable career opportunities for underrepresented talent.
Partner
more